Outdoor Storage Devices and Methods for Manufacturing the Same

ABSTRACT

An outdoor storage device for storing items, particularly items for use at a beach, lake, river or any other outdoor recreational activity. The storage device is comprised of a four-sided bin with a perforated bottom and hinged lid. The bottom of the bin contains one or more recessed anchor mounting holes for anchoring the bin to the ground such that the connection of the box and anchor bolt (or anchor stake or rod) is accessible only from the inside of the bin. A locking mechanism is attached to the box and includes a lock bolted to either the lid or front sidewall of the bin. The outdoor storage device may be rented as a storage means for condo owners, resort or theme park patrons, beach or lake visitors, etc. Alternatively, the outdoor storage device may be portable and temporarily anchored in the sand or other surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/948,366, filed Jul. 6, 2007, which is herebyincorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for storage. More specifically, thedevice is for the storage of outdoor goods and other items typicallyused by visitors to a beach or other outdoor recreation area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people enjoy a trip to the beach, whether the beach is next to anocean, lake or river. However, the mere act of carrying a wide varietyof beach equipment, toys, coolers, keys and other items to and from abeach can be quite cumbersome. Additionally, several items desirable tohave while at the beach, such as electronic, perishable foods and otheritems, require special storage consideration particularly due to thesalt water, wind and sand encountered at the beach. Moreover, forvaluable items, often there is no way to secure such items that allowseveryone in a party to enjoy a stroll alone the beach or enter thewater.

These annoyances and inconveniences are not just experienced by theinfrequent beach visitor, as more and more people own beachfront orlakefront homes or condos. Often these homeowners or renters undergo thesame packing and unpacking of items as infrequent beach visitors, whileothers often keep such items in a garage or outside exposed to theelements. What is need is a device that addresses these shortcomingsassociated with these beach storage methods and allows a beach visitorthe beachfront property owner/renter the added convenience of a safe andsecure storage of items used during a visit to the beach or otheroutdoor recreation area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor storage device in accordancewith an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an outdoor storage device in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view, without a lid, of an outdoor storage device inaccordance with an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a locking mechanism configuration included on an outdoorstorage device in accordance with an example embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanismconfiguration included on a beach storage device in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an anchor bolt utilized as part of an anchoring system of anoutdoor storage device in accordance with an example embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of manufacturing an outdoorstorage device in accordance with an example embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a device for anoutdoor storage device for storing items, particularly items for use ata beach, lake, river or any other outdoor recreational activity. Thestorage device is comprised of a four-sided bin with a slotted (and/orperforated) bottom and hinged lid. The bottom of the bin contains one ormore recessed anchor mounting holes for anchoring the bin to the groundsuch that the connection of the box and anchoring bolts (or anchorstakes or rods) is accessible only from the inside of the bin. A lockingmechanism is attached to the box and includes a lock bolted to eitherthe lid or front sidewall of the bin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of outdoor storagedevice may be permanently fixed to the property of a beachfront propertyowner. In such a configuration, the outdoor storage device may be rentedas storage means to condo owners, resort or theme park patrons, beach orlake visitors, etc. In an alternative embodiment of the outdoor storagedevice, the outdoor storage device may be portable such that a personmay transport the outdoor storage device to the beach (or other outdoorrecreational venue) and anchor it the sand (or other surface) during theduration of the beach visit. In alternative embodiments of theinvention, caster wheels may be mounted thru the anchor holes to makethe storage device easily portable.

The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventionto those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor storage device in accordancewith an example embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, theoutdoor storage device 100 includes a lid 102 attached to bin 104, wherethe bin 104 is made up of sidewalls. The sidewalls of the bin 104 and/orthe lid 102 may be constructed from a variety of materials includingplastics, wood, metal, etc. In an example embodiment of the invention,the top portions of one or more of the sidewalls of the bin 104 may berecessed to allow for a better fit or seal with the lid 102 once the lid102 is engaged. The lid 102 may be removable and/or the lid 102 may bepivotally attached with hinges. In an alternative embodiment of theinvention, the lid 102 may be capable of being rolled back to allowaccess inside the outdoor storage device 100.

The device also includes a lock cover 106 as part of the lid 102 and alock 108 also attached the lid 102 and capable of being engaged with afront sidewall 110 of the bin 104. The lock cover 106 may be molded aspart of the lid 102 or as a separate piece attached to the lid 102. Thelock cover 106 may also serve as a handle for opening and closing thelid 102. The lock 108 may be situated under the lock cover 106 such thatthe lock 108, even when disengaged, cannot be removed without removingthe lock cover 106. The configuration and operation of the lockingmechanism will be discussed in further detail below with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front sidewall 110 may also include a recessportion 112. The recessed portion may include a number or another labelidentifying the outdoor storage device 100. Also shown in FIG. 1,insignia 114 of various kinds may be placed on the outside of theoutdoor storage device 100. The insignia 114 may have a theme connectedto the outdoors (such as the seashells, animals, plants, designs orother symbols) or other insignia (or themes) to appeal to users. Inalternative embodiments of the invention, various forms ofadvertisements may be placed on the outside of the outdoor storagedevice 100. Indeed, even the shape of the sidewalls of the bin 104and/or the lid 102 of the outdoor storage device 100 may be varied tocreate a variety of shapes, rather than the box configuration shown inFIG. 1 (e.g., the box may be shaped like a treasure chest, an animal, abuilding, or other shapes appreciable by one of ordinary skill in theart).

At the bottom of the bin 104, portions of a plurality of anchor bolts(or anchor stakes or rods) 116 that anchor the outdoor storage device100 to the ground or other surface are shown. The connection andfunctionality of these anchor bolts (or anchor stakes or rods) 116 isdiscussed in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an outdoor storage device in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 102 andthe bin 104 are connected by hinges 202 located at the top and rear ofthe bin 104 and the rear of the lid 102. Also shown in FIG. 2, areportions of the anchor bolts (or anchor stakes or rods) 116 extendingout the bottom of the bin. In an alternative embodiment of the inventionnot shown, wheels may be added to a bottom, rear portion of the bin toallow for the storage device to be portable when not affixed to theground through the anchor bolts (or anchor stakes or rods) 116.

FIG. 3 is a top view, without the lid, of an outdoor storage device inaccordance with an example embodiment of the invention. As can be seenin FIG. 3, the bottom plate 302 is perforated (or slotted and includes aplurality of slots 304. These slots allow for an exit point for any sandand./or water that may enter the inside of the outdoor storage device.In alternative embodiments of the invention screens, mesh or othermaterial and/or perforated configuration may to utilized on the bottomplate 302. The perforation also allows maintains the cleanliness of theinside of the outdoor storage device, as well as allows for easycleaning whether the outdoor storage device is anchored to the ground ornot. In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the bottom plate302 may be a the bottom of the bin and contain no opening. Further, inalternative embodiments of the invention, the bottom plate 302 may begrooved or indented thereby providing full enclosure and anotherfootprint for the bottom of the storage device 100.

Also shown in FIG. 3 are a plurality of recessed anchor mounting holes306. These recessed anchor mounting holes 306 allow for an anchor, suchas a bolt, stake, rod, or long screw, to be threaded through, attachedand tightened all from the inside of the outdoor storage device. Such aconfiguration provides added security to the outdoor storage device andallows the outdoor storage device to sit flush with surface on which theoutdoor storage device rests. The anchoring also provides additionalsupport and stability from severe weather conditions that may be commonin various outdoor areas. In an alternative embodiment, several outdoorstorage devices may share anchoring means and/or be tethered together toadd to the stability and resistance to outside forces. Also inalternative embodiments of the invention, caster wheels may be mountedthrough one or more of the anchor mounting holes 306 to make the storagedevice portable. For example, the storage device 100 may have fourdetachable wheels or it may have two wheels attached to the rear of thestorage device 100 allowing transport of the storage device 100.

Although not shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, in alternativeembodiments of the invention the internal sides of the sidewalls mayinclude a variety of drawers, compartments, slots, etc. Such drawers orcompartments provide addition storage and organization to the outdoorstorage device. The drawers or compartments may be provided at a varietyof heights within the outdoor storage device to maximize the utilizationof the space within the box. The drawers and/or compartments alsoprovide addition protection to the stored items from the elements of theoutdoors such as water, wind, sand, bugs, small creatures as well asthieves and others. In an example embodiment, one compartment may bedesignated for first aid storage (or have a first aid kit connected to asidewall of the storage device). The sidewalls of the storage device mayalso have a hand-type air pump connected to it or otherwise integratedwith the storage device. The air pump allows a user to inflate anyfloatable devices, inflatable balls for games or sports, or any otherinflatable items.

FIG. 4 is a locking mechanism configuration included on a beach storagedevice in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. Thelocking mechanism of FIG. 4, shows the components of the lockingmechanism configuration that are located beneath the lock cover 106,which is transparently shown in FIG. 4. The locking mechanismconfiguration includes a top plate 404 and a bottom plate 408. Thelocking mechanism also includes a plurality of rings that a portion ofthe lock 108 is pushed or threaded through. The rings through which partof the lock is placed include a plurality of top plate rings 406attached, or molded as part of, the top plate 404 and at least onebottom plate ring 410 attached to the bottom plate 408. The top platerings 406 are used to keep the lock 108 in proper configuration underthe lock cover 106 while the lock is either engaged or disengaged. Thebottom plate ring(s) 410 is utilized when the lock is to be engaged. Inthe example embodiment of FIG. 4, a portion of the lock is pushed orthreaded through the bottom plate ring and the lock is then engaged,thereby locking the lid to the bin.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the lock 108, is apadlock, though other types of locks (e.g., dead bolt locks, combinationlocks, magnetic locks, etc.) may be utilized in alternative embodimentsof the invention. In an example embodiment of the invention, the lockmay be composed of a non-corrosive material to increase its weatherresistant capabilities.

A stop piece 402 is also included in the lock configuration of FIG. 4.The stop piece 402 prevents the threaded portion of the lock 108 frombeing push any higher. Therefore, in the example embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 4, the stop piece 402, along with thepositioning of the top plate rings 406 and lock cover 106, prevent theremoval of the lock. Thus, the lock can only be engaged and disengagedfrom the bottom plate 408 through the bottom plate ring 410. An exampleembodiment of the connections of the components of the locking mechanismconfiguration to the lid and/or the front sidewall of the bin of theoutdoor storage device is shown in FIG. 5, described below.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanismconfiguration included on a beach storage device in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the attachmentmeans (e.g., screws, self-tapping screws, etc.) of the top and bottomplates 404 and 408, to the lid and bin, respectively are configured suchthat the attachment are accessible only from the inside of the outdoorstorage device. The top plate rings 406 and bottom plate rings may alsobe attached to their respective plates in the same way. Moreover, thetop plate 404 and/or bottom plate 408 may be double-plated, as shown inFIG. 5, for added support and security. In an alternative embodiment,once the plates are attached to the bin and/or lid, the attachmentsmeans may be rendered in accessible such that the bin and/or lid wouldhave to be destroyed in order to remove part of the locking mechanism(e.g., the plates, rings, lock, lock cover, etc.). Such a configurationmay provide added security to the lock.

FIG. 6 is an anchor bolt 602 utilized as part of an anchoring system ofa beach storage device in accordance with an example embodiment of theinvention. In example embodiments of the invention, the anchor bolt 602may be made of stainless steel or other non-corrosive or corrosiveresistant metal. Other materials may also be used. As shown in FIG. 6,the anchor bolt 602 is pushed or threaded through the recessed anchormounting hole 306 and a nut 604 and a washer 606 are used to attach andtighten the anchor bolt 602 from the inside of the bin of the outdoorstorage device. This configuration allows the bin to become flush withthe ground surface as well as make it more difficult for wind, water,thieves or vandals unearth, disconnect or break the anchor bolt(s) 602.Alternative attachment/fastener means to the nut 604 and washer 606configuration shown in FIG. 4 appreciable by one of ordinary skill inthe art may also be used to connect and/or tighten the anchor bolt 602to the outdoor storage device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method of manufacturing an outdoorstorage device in accordance with an example embodiment of theinvention. As show in FIG. 7, the method of manufacturing an outdoorstorage device includes step 702 providing a bin. In an exampleembodiment of the invention, the bin may include two or more sidewalls.Step 704 of the manufacturing process provides a perforated bottom plateattached to a bottom portion of the bin. The perforated bottom plate mayinclude a plurality of recessed anchor mounting holes. Step 706 providesa lid. In an example embodiment of the invention the rear side of thelid is attached to a back portion of the bin by one or more hinges. Step708 provides a locking mechanism that is attached to a top plate. In anexample embodiment of the invention, the top plate is attached to thelid and engagable with a bottom plate that is attached to a frontportion of the bin. In alternative embodiments of the invention, heorder of these manufacturing steps may be rearranged. Moreover, inalternative embodiments of the invention the individual steps describedin FIG. 7 may be broken down into smaller steps.

Many other modifications and additional features will also becomeevident in view of the preceding description of exemplary embodiments ofthe invention. It should be appreciated that many features and aspectsof the invention are described above by way of example only and aretherefore not intended to be interpreted as required or essentialelements of the invention, unless so stated. Accordingly, the foregoingrelates only to certain embodiments of the invention and numerouschanges may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the claims.

1. An outdoor storage device comprising: a bin, wherein the bin includesa plurality of sidewalls; a perforated bottom plate attached to a bottomportion of the bin, wherein the perforated bottom plate includes aplurality of recessed anchor mounting holes; a lid pivotally attached ona rear side of the lid, by at least one hinge, to a back portion of thebin; and a locking mechanism attached to a top plate, wherein the topplate is attached the lid and engagable with the perforated bottom plateattached to a front portion of a bin, wherein the perforated bottomplate defines at least one opening into a space defined by the pluralityof sidewalls and the lid.
 2. The outdoor storage device of claim 1,wherein an external side of at least one of the sidewalls of the binincludes a recessed portion.
 3. The outdoor storage device, of claim 1,wherein at least one internal side of at least one of the sidewallsincludes at least one storage compartment.
 4. The outdoor storagedevice, of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a padlock. 5.A method of manufacturing an outdoor storage device comprising:providing a bin, wherein the bin includes a plurality of sidewalls;providing a perforated bottom plate attached to a bottom portion of thebin, wherein the perforated bottom plate includes a plurality ofrecessed anchor mounting holes; providing a lid, wherein a rear side ofthe lid is attached by at least one hinge to a back portion of the bin;and providing a locking mechanism attached to a top plate, wherein thetop plate is attached to the lid and engagable with a bottom plateattached to a front portion of the bin.